Today, we take a moment to recognise and thank David Durant for his extraordinary service and dedication to the North Adelaide Basketball Club.

David’s story with the Rockets began more than five decades ago when he first pulled on a North Adelaide junior uniform in the late 1960s. What started as a love for playing quickly grew into a lifetime of contribution to the game, the Club, and the wider basketball community.

For over 32 years, David devoted himself to coaching – often two or three teams in a single week. Across more than 3,000 games, he has helped to shape the skills, character, and confidence of countless young players. Many have gone on to achieve success at higher levels, but all have benefitted from David’s passion, patience, and commitment to developing people as much as athletes.

David stepped into Club leadership in 1992 as Vice President (Basketball) and Chair of Junior Operations, and in 2022 he became our President. Through those roles, he has been instrumental in guiding the Rockets on and off the court. His fingerprints are all over our Club’s history — from premierships won, to juniors developed, to the lasting culture of volunteerism and community spirit.

One of David’s most significant contributions came in the planning and delivery of our move from Hillcrest Stadium to the Lights Community and Sports Centre. For more than two years, David worked with council and stakeholders to ensure the new facility met the standards required for elite and community basketball alike. The home we enjoy today is in large part thanks to his foresight and hard work.

Beyond North Adelaide, David has served the game at a state and national level. He played a leading role in organising five National Junior Championships, earning recognition from Basketball Australia in 2010. He has chaired or served on numerous Basketball SA committees, ensuring that basketball in South Australia continues to grow and thrive.

In recognition of his contributions, David was awarded Life Membership of North Adelaide Basketball Club in 2002, and later, Life Membership of Basketball SA in 2020. In 2024, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield honoured him as Citizen of the Year, acknowledging the profound and lasting impact he has had on sport and community.

And yet, beyond the titles and achievements, David’s legacy is about people. He and his wife Helane have been a constant presence at North Adelaide – first watching their children come through the Rockets, and now proudly supporting their grandchildren on court.

David, on behalf of every player, coach, volunteer, and supporter, past and present, we thank you for your leadership, vision, and unwavering devotion to the Rockets. You leave behind a legacy of service that will continue to inspire our Club for generations to come.